Even as the violence of the
wind, when it rushes upon strong trees and sways them in all directions,
does not root them up, but renders them still firmer and stronger by these
attacks, so the soul that is holy and lives in a healthy religious state is
not damaged by the fierce assailments of tribulation, but rather purified
and strengthened by them.

Oh, what does not God give to
man in mercy when tribulation itself is sent to him as a blessing.
Prosperity is the gift of God who comforts us, tribulation of a God who
admonishes us.

Tribulation is a chain
indissoluble from the Christian life; thou canst not therefore say he is
righteous who is free from tribulation; for things contrary by nature cannot
be together without reciprocal strife. Fire and water, so long as they are
apart , are altogether at peace; when they meet in one place, the water
immediately begins to steam, to bubble and hiss, until either the water is
consumed or the fire extinguished.

Many cry to the Lord in
tribulation, and are not heard. Paul besought the Lord that the thorn in the
flesh might be taken away from him. But the thorn remained, while to him it
was divinely said - "My grace is sufficient for thee; for My strength
is made perfect in weakness." Why this answer? To the end that man may
understand that God is a Physician, and that tribulation is a remedy for
salvation and sanctification, not a punishment for condemnation. While under
treatment, the Christian is cauterized and cut, and therefore cries out; the
Physician hears his wish, but He heeds it not for the sake of his soul's
health.

The Winnowing Fan hopes
..." to do what little it could to solve the evils that beset the
church."

- Teresa of Avila

Winnowing
Fan and Guadalupe Series are owned and Copyrighted by S. of G. Foundation.
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in part without written authorization provided appropriate acknowledgement is
made.